Spread the Fragrance!

“Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.  For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,  to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16a

“We are  always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.  For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;  and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-11; 5:14-15

Paul saw the Christian life as much more than verbal profession. His passion was for the gospel, proclaimed and practiced, and his desire the holiness of God’s people. He was willing to do what it took to effectuate these ends. He spoke not with chastisement or criticism, but a genuine desire to see them living uprightly and serving God’s kingdom and purposes vibrantly. Only in dying to themselves were they free to live fully for Christ and spread the fragrance of His life and excellencies abroad.

Days designed to extend the light and truth of Christ are rightly-inspired and not always smooth. Many reject the way He offers, our stench in presenting it one that disturbs and repulses. It is not Christ who has a bad odor, but the concept of admitting and turning from sin, giving up control. When the recipient remains hard-hearted, we will always be a stench that sours their chosen lifestyle and mindset. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

But when the Spirit begins to work, softening stubbornness and wooing the soul, at some point the fragrance turns sweet. As we continue on in triumphal procession, living out Christ not just with words but the aroma of self-forgetfulness, gracious kindness, a listening ear, a tender touch, a burden shared, Jesus becomes irresistible. What was death to death becomes life to life.

What in our living is causing Christ to be a stench among unbelievers? Are we too impatient or rude, too rushed to converse and care, two-faced? What inconsistencies plague our habits, what triggers turn demeanors sour and words ugly? Where are we skimping on love, generosity, grace? Once we recognize where we sully and cause stink in the reputation of Jesus, would we confess, put it to death, and trust Him to put on what magnifies His loveliness, promotes lofty thinking, and draws others in? How can we, and will we, spread the savor of Christ’s name, the sweetness of His love? (Colossians 3:5-17)

“O for a life that’s dead to self,
fragrant with love divine;
patient and kind and pure and good —
a copy, Lord, of thine.” ~Charles Wesley (1742) and PEB

Lord, keep me faithful in spreading wide Your fragrance, a true outpouring of Your character and graces in all their exquisite perfection and glory.